Page:The Biographical Dictionary of America, vol. 01.djvu/45

ADAMS.ADAMS. American standard at the Hague. There let it wave and fly in triumph over Sir Joseph Yorke and British pride. I shall look down upon the flagstaff with pleasure from the other world." Following this event came the series of complications in Paris connected with the treaty of peace with England in 1783. Matters were so dexterously managed by Mr. Adams and Mr. Jay that Vergennes was outgeneralled and a brilliant success achieved. This triumph of diplomacy may be called the fifth distinguished event in his public life. In May, 1785, while still engaged in negotiating a treaty with Prussia, and in securing recognition, commercial and otherwise, by foreign powers, he was appointed minister to the court of St. James. His stay in England was by no means agreeable to him. His brusque manners, with his undoubted skill in diplomacy, appealed to the bluff Englishman's respect for fearless sincerity in speech and conduct, but the time had not come for cordial, pacific measures — the result of the war was too recent, and British pride too sensitive. The king grew frigid, and the courtiers froze. No satisfactory solution could be agreed upon as to the surrender of western ports on or near the Great Lakes, consequent largely upon the inability of the United States to meet its pecuniary obligations to the full. It was more than hoped, it was expected, that the republican experiment would fail, that the states would fall apart like a rope of sand, and the people disheartened turn back to the "leeks and garlic" of Great Britain. Mr. Adams finding his mission abroad to some extent fruitless, and believing that some other person than himself would be more agreeable to the court, and, under existing circumstances, more efficient, asked to be re-called in 1788. His request was granted. He received the thanks of Congress for his "patriotism, perseverance, integrity and diligence."

By this time efforts were being made to formally organize the government under the Constitution. Washington was chosen President; Adams, Vice-President. The difference in the number of votes cast respectively for these conspicuous positions — sixty-nine for the presidency and thirty-four for the vice-presidency — was a matter of chagrin to Mr. Adams, who knew the value of his services and his self-sacrificing devotion to the country. He was stanch in supporting the policy of the President, and was able to direct the action of the Senate on many questions on which, as presiding officer, he held, by a tie vote, the balance of power. A marked divergence in men's views of various political questions now gave rise to two distinct parties — the Federalist, known afterward as Whig and then as Republican; and the other, first known as Republican and then as Democratic. Mr. Adams was a pronounced Federalist. At the second presidential election the opposition to Mr. Adams, consequent upon his "Discourses on Davila," concerning questions that arose out of the French revolution, centred on George Clinton as candidate for the vice-presidency. Adams was, however, re-elected; and in 1796, Washington, refusing to entertain the thought of a third term, Mr. Adams was, after a prolonged and acrimonious contest, chosen President of the United States in 1796. When Mr. Adams came into the presidency he retained as secretary of state Timothy Pickering, who had been appointed by Washington. On May 13, 1800, he removed him as not being in sympathy with his administration, and appointed John Marshall of Virginia, who retained the position until January 27, 1801, when Adams made him chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, to succeed Oliver Ellsworth. In the war department he retained James McHenry, who had served as secretary under Washington, until he resigned May 13, 1800, when he appointed Samuel Dexter of Massachusetts, who retained the portfolio until January 1, 1801, when he resigned to take the treasury portfolio. Adams then appointed Roger Griswold of Connecticut. In the treasury department he found Oliver Wolcott, who had succeeded Alexander Hamilton, and President Adams continued him as secretary until Nov. 8, 1800, when he resigned and was at once appointed United States judge of the Supreme Court of the second district. Mr. Adams appointed Samuel Dexter secretary Jan. 1, 1801. In the navy department Mr. Adams retained Washington's appointee, Benjamin Stoddert, throughout his administration. As attorney-general Mr. Adams retained the services of Charles Lee, and that of James Habersham, as postmaster-general, both having served in Washington's administration. Then followed a time of storm. France discriminated against American commerce, refused to treat with the commissioners who were appointed, and who were so insulted by the envoys of Talleyrand that Mr. Adams was compelled to advise Congress of the failure of the mission and the necessity to prepare for war. Papers were called for, and the famous "X. Y. Z. correspondence" submitted. The excitement in America spread to England and Europe. "Millions for defence, not one cent for tribute," was the cry throughout the states. "Hail Columbia" sung itself out of the hearts of the people. Talleyrand was burnt in effigy; letters of marque were issued, and an alliance with Great Britain against France was projected. France weakened. Mr. Adams decided to avoid war. Commissioners were appointed to treat with France; they reached Paris to find the direction of affairs in the hands of Napoleon. All events conspired to disintegrate